< p>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic governors meeting with President Barack Obama say their state economies will be hurt by automatic, across-the-board federal government spending cuts scheduled to begin on March 1.

Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, says states have seen increased employment, but that their prosperity is being hindered by "the games being played by the Republicans in Congress."

Obama met with the Democratic governors Friday. The governors are in Washington for a National Governors Association meeting this weekend. Governors from both parties will attend the White House Sunday for dinner and Monday for meetings.

Obama has proposed averting $85 billion in cuts this year with more targeted reductions and with tax increases. Republicans oppose further increases in tax revenue unless it is used to lower tax rates.